CALS stands for Computer-aided Acquisition and Logistics Support, a defense initiative not motivated (at least directly!) by a war.

The example usually given is that the (paper) documentation necessary to maintain the various systems on aircraft carriers was no longer able to fit on board.

Another specific example cited is that an Aegis-class Navy cruiser had so much paper on board, that if it were removed, the ship would rise 3" in the water.

The Department of Defense (DOD) was, thus, motivated to convert this info to electronic documents.

But many of these documents are revised frequently, created by numerous sources, and used by many others.

A standard of interchange was needed for text, graphics and other media. This is CALS mission.

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